It's very hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. I ran into Target the other day and it was already decorated in all things green and red, which seems to happen earlier and earlier every year. I felt the need to start getting my gift list in order for family, friends and customers!
In business, there is no better time to show your gratitude toward your established clients than during the holiday season. In my head, that runs from Thanksgiving until New Years Day. Extending the timeline through the actual season helps alleviate the pressure of doing everything for everyone at every holiday over the course of 5 weeks (from Turkey Day to New Years Day). This year, it's going to be especially difficult for many of us to have a hefty gratitude budget for the holidays. It's no secret, we've been experiencing a transition year in the notary world and it's been felt by all, but that doesn't mean we can't express our thanks to the people who have kept us going over the last 365 days.
So, how do you say THANK YOU while staying on budget? I thought I'd make a list of ideas for you can choose from to make this holiday season bright on a tight budget. These are all things I've done in the past that were well received. The first thing you need to do is rank your client list. I do this by how many signings each has provided me over the last year. Then, I match my available gift funds to each office by choosing how I want to express my thanks. What that means is, I don't do the exact same thing for each office. That may seem like more work, but it helps me keep my budget in check and allows the opportunity to give more gratitude to offices that have fed me more business throughout the year.
Make a breakfast buffet for a top office. I will make a large batch of scrambled eggs, mixed fruit, biscuits and sausage gravy (each in their own aluminum pan) and deliver it to my #1 office at an agreed upon day to serve breakfast to the office .on holiday themed plates. I'll bring along some salsa, chopped chives and cheese on the side for them to top their eggs. My clients love this personal touch, but if you're uncomfortable cooking I recommend buying a hearty breakfast or lunch to express your appreciation.
Purchase wine in bulk at Costco or Sam's. Replace the store label with a personalized one purchased online. It's an easy process of just soaking the bottle in tepid soapy water for a bit then pulling the label off. I create fun things to say on my personal labels to them like, "In case I'm the reason you drink," or "Cheers to making the naughty list." You can purchase customized labels on Amazon or Etsy (or just google, "custom wine labels"). I will give these out to my next top 12 clients (there are 12 bottles in a case of wine).
Here are more ideas....
Homemade salsa in 4 oz mason jars (did you know your InstanPot will allow you to can items?) and small bag of tortilla chips ordered from Amazon. Just pop these into a cute bag and you've got a really affordable, homemade gift! I use The Pioneer Woman's chipotle salsa recipe and it is always a hit! Here's the link to the recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chipotle-salsa-2632852. Consult the owners manual of your InstaPot for canning directions.
Holiday themed wine or cocktail glasses at The Dollar Tree (get them in November as they'll be gone by early December) stuffed with individually wrapped candies like Hershey kisses in holiday colors.
Small, live pine trees (6") purchased at my local nursery. Add a red bow for holiday flair and perhaps a small, custom ornament (The Dollar Tree has great ornaments).
Mason Jar gifts (just search Pinterest or Google for ideas, but a favorite of my clients is my homemade sugar scrub). You can find the receipt here: https://www.eatingbyelaine.com/easy-homemade-sugar-scrub/ I add essential oils to mine so it smells divine. Mint, Lime and Lavender are favorites of past recipients.
You can sponsor a side dish for an office's Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Just ask your favorite offices when they plan to celebrate together and ask if you can donate your special holiday dish. You're not inviting yourself to the party, just offering to bring a side dish or dessert. If you love making Christmas cookies, this is a great way to offer them to clients. I did this one year for a couple of offices and they were so appreciative. I left recipe cards with my special macaroni and cheese recipe for anyone who wanted to take them and make it for their family (with my business card attached, of course)!
Does your family have a special holiday treat they make every year? Buckeye Balls are a favorite of mine (https://dinnerthendessert.com/buckeye-balls/) and always go over well. I love packaging up the finished candy in a fun holiday tin for delivery.
Whatever you decide to do this holiday season, be sure to show your heartfelt gratitude with a handwritten note or card when you deliver your gifts so your clients know how much you appreciate them and their continued business. And if you choose one of these ideas for your holiday marketing plan, drop me an email and let me know how it went: SAM@SigningAgentMarketing.com.